Bayan Muna member in Albay abducted and killed

Victim of summary execution in Bicol Region. Murder case against military officials is now pending in court. Contributed Photo

Contributed Photo

LEGAZPI CITY – The partylist Bayan Muna along with the human rights group Karapatan condemns the abduction and killing of Bayan Muna member Rodel Estrellado of Barangay 3, Malilipot, Albay last February 25, 2011.

Based on the testimonies of witnesses, Rodel was abducted around 9:00 am by approximately four (4) military looking men posing as PDEA agents as he was walking home after buying viand for his family at a local market. He was forced to board a gray car with plate number MXN 902, said Vince Casilihian of Karapatan-Bikol.

But what is curious though is that as early as 6:30 am on the same day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines through Harold Cabunoc, issued a statement that an NPA member named Elmer Estrellado was killed in an encounter in Barangay Buluang, Bato, Camarines Sur.

Also on the same day at 1:25pm, a certain Major Danilo Ambe and 2nd Lt. Maribel Donilla based in Mabaludbalud, Tigaon, Camarines Sur filed a blotter report in PNP Bato that they conducted a strike operation in Buluang, Bato that resulted in the death of Elmer Estrellado, added Casilihan.

But what is most striking and reveals the lies of the AFP is that Rodel and Elmer Estrellado is one and the same person. So what they did was abduct Rodel in Albay, transport him to Camarines Sur, kill him and report it as if there was an encounter, the human rights advocate added.

The most dastardly thing about it though is that the AFP planned this and thought that they can get away with it. This is the height of impunity and President Aquino III should make his soldiers accountable, Said Fred Mansos of Bayan Muna-Albay.

Mansos expressed his dismay over the Aquino administration saying that P-NOY is masquerading as an advocate of democracy while continuing the repression and persecution of activists by the ousted Marcos regime.

It seems that P-NOY planned to strengthen the Oplan Bayanihan patterned under Oplan Bantay of the unpopular Arroyo regime, Ended Mansos.

Meanwhile, Rodel’s family urged President Aquino to walk his talk of “matuwid na daan” by respecting human rights, bringing justice to the victims of political killings and putting an end to this state terrorism.